Finally there’s a franchise that gives you the two things you want most...
A living AND A life!
Is it time for a change? Have you been working too hard with too little to show for it? Would you like to discover the freedom of operating your own business? Do you ever feel like your time isn’t your own? Studies show time at work has increased. People don’t accomplish what they set out to do each day. They feel stress and worry about not spending enough time with their families. A report by the Economic Policy Institute indicates the majority would prefer to earn less money or give up the fast track to have more time. With a Pressed4Time® franchise, you won’t have to make that choice.
Four easy steps to change your life If the risks of working for someone else aren’t for you, there’s no time like the present to make a change. Just follow this Four-Step Plan:
1. Decide what’s important to you. It’s your future. How do you want to invest your time? What lifestyle and financial rewards do you want?
2. Review the Pressed4Time information in this kit. See for yourself the real differences that make Pressed4Time unique.
3. Talk to franchisees. You are welcome to talk with Pressed4Time franchisees about income, market growth, operations, or anything else. And don’t stop there. Investigate other franchisers—talk to as many of their franchisees as you can.
4. Act Now. Decide to make a change for the better and then do it. Pressed4Time will have you back in control of your life in no time at all.
Introduction
A REVOLUTION IN DRY CLEANING
P
roviding pick up and delivery dry cleaning, laundry, alterations and shoe repair services, Pressed4Time provides a time-saving service to the over-scheduled. The convenience of our business, combined with superior customer service, ensures satisfied and committed customers. Pressed4Time strives to be the company that people depend on – again and again. And we are. With a cutting-edge business strategy, the most experience in the marketplace and superior support offered to our franchisees, PRESSED4TIME IS REVOLUTIONIZING THE DRY CLEANING INDUSTRY.
A Perfectly Pressed Future
Pressed4Time + YOU = Synergy
We cater to customers at their place of work. Companies competing for top personnel and looking to boost employee morale increasingly add personal service perks to their benefit packages. Employees consider time-saving services necessities as work and life demands grow.
While we expect our customers to stay busy and in need of our services, we offer our franchisees the opportunity to balance work and life. We provide a proven business strategy, strong company support & training, an admirable profit margin, a five day work week and the opportunity for a balanced life. You supply enthusiasm, motivation & drive, low start-up costs (one of the lowest franchise start-up cost packages available), and the desire to take charge of your career and your life. Pressed4Time provides you the opportunity to be in business for yourself, not by yourself.
The good news for Pressed4Time franchisees? People are only getting busier which is why service industries are experiencing explosive growth, increasing at twice the rate of product-oriented businesses. Over 2.3 billion garments were cleaned producing an estimated $9.2 billion in sales last year. Dry cleaning sales have increased over 50% in the last two decades. Experts project that this trend is still moving upward—because regardless of fads or even economic conditions—the dry cleaning must be done.
Most quality franchises require huge start-up costs, extensive inventories, excessive royalties and extreme time commitments. Pressed4Time is different. A Pressed4Time franchise requires a maximum $44,810 investment, requires no inventory, and features an innovative royalty plan. Our franchisees prosper as streamlined, low-risk, and profitable businesses.
The Fruits of the Franchise > A new franchise opens every 8 minutes of each business day. > Over 320,000 franchise businesses generate $1 Trillion in sales annually. > There are over 4,000 franchise companies in over 75 industries. > Franchise sales have grown 94% in the past decade. > Today, franchising accounts for 40% of all retail sales. > Almost 90% of all franchise operations are still in business five years after they open. Yet 66% of independent business ventures fail in the first 6 years. > 75% of franchisees would invest in the same franchise business again. Only 39% of American workers would repeat their job experience.
The Pressed4Time Franchise Dynamic Established in 1987, we are an international company with an outstanding track record and a rich future. As the first company of its kind, we operate franchises in 34 states and Canada. If you are ready to tap into a booming service market by operating your own Pressed4Time franchise, we invite you to join us—the mobile dry cleaning industry leader. However, not all franchise opportunities present equal risk or outcome. We strongly encourage you to consult with current Pressed4Time franchise owners when contemplating this exciting venture. Experts suggest you consider the following: > Company Stability > Growth Potential > Capital Requirements > Background & Training > Enjoyment of Work > Impact on Lifestyle Rising above the rest, Pressed4Time is recognized as “one of the Best Franchise Buys Under $100,000” by National Employment Weekly.
> 20% of franchisees own an average of 2.6 units—the industry is growing.
WHY FRANCHISE?
“Franchising is the single most successful marketing concept ever.” — John Naisbitt, Megatrends
INITIAL INVESTMENT
Franchise Fee The $29,900 franchise fee includes the right to use our name, a protected territory with a 10-year license, all training, start-up supplies, operating methods and marketing materials, Pressed4Time shirts, business management software and your own website.
Start Up Costs > Equipment and Furniture A basic PC with internet access, a laser printer, garment racks and signage for the van.
Your initial Pressed4Time franchise investment consists of a franchise fee and start-up costs. Type of Expense
Low Amount
High Amount
Business Set-up & Supplies
$825
$1,415
Insurance
$375
$700
$35
$370
$1,175
$2,725
$0
$1,500
$100
$1,200
$3,500
$7,000
Subtotal
$6,010
$14,910
Franchise Fee
$29,900
$29,900
Total Initial Investment
$35,910
$44,810
> Other Deposits Lease deposits or down payment for a van.
Licenses
> Training Expenses Travel, meals and lodging while attending the initial training program at the home office.
Equipment & Furniture
> Living Expenses Presesd4Time recommends that Franchisees retain a cash reserve sufficient to pay their living expenses for a minimum of six months. > Business Set-up and Supplies QuickBooks accounting software, a cell phone, marketing and operational forms. > Insurance Commercial vehicle insurance and a business owner policy. > Licenses Some municipalities require a business license.
Other Deposits Training Expenses Operating Cash
WHAT YOU GET FOR YOUR INVESTMENT 1. 50% Gross Profit Margin As a Pressed4Time franchisee, you will make a 50% gross profit margin on all regular dry cleaning.
2. Distinctive Royalty Plan While the typical franchisee expects to pay 5-8% of their revenue to the parent company in royalty fees, Pressed4Time franchisees enjoy an incentive-based, decreasing royalty structure. You remit 6% of gross revenue up to $20,000 per month. For monthly gross revenue in excess of $20,000, your royalty is 3% regardless of the number of vans your franchise operates.
3. An Established Relationship with a Dry Cleaning Plant You do not need to have dry cleaning experience to run a successful Presesd4Time franchise. We will arrange a partnership between you and a professional cleaning plant in your area. They will handle the entire process from tagging garments to assembling finished orders.
4. The Pressed4Time Name, Trademark and Logo Name recognition carries serious weight in the personal service market. Pressed4Time’s national credibility will open doors for you and serve as a solid base for your marketing
efforts. Our corporate identity showcases the very characteristics that our customers are seeking when they use our services: clean, crisp, friendly, and dependable.
5. Total Training Program Our six step training program administers comprehensive support from our experienced staff: (1) Tele-train, research your competition and secure your van from home; (2) Travel to our Home Office in Massachusetts where you’ll spend time on the road with an experienced Pressed4Time franchisee and several days in the classroom for formal training; (3) Complete three days of Marketing Training in your territory with your personal Pressed4Time trainer; (4) MIS Training (Management Information System). You will be taught how to utilize our proprietary MIS programs by our MIS Trainer online and over the phone; (5) Evaluate, brainstorm and continue to build your business during a visit from an experienced Pressed4Time trainer 30-60 days after opening; and, (6) Participate in weekly calls with your Pressed4Time coach for ongoing support and strategy sessions.
6. Confidential Operating Manual Years of experience inform our policies and procedures manual. This text provides step-by-step tools for every aspect of this business including: accounting and operating procedures, in-depth marketing
and management techniques and important insights into the dry cleaning industry.
7. Route Management Software Pressed4Time’s exclusive proprietary software enables you to efficiently and systematically track and manage your business. Our timetested program produces daily delivery routings, tracks receivables, generates reports and supports your e-marketing strategies.
8. Marketing Manual & Materials This extensive collection of promotional materials offers results-oriented ideas to attract new customers and satisfy steady clients. From marketing materials to uniforms, customer valet bags to van signage, we make an impeccable first impression that lasts.
9. Exclusive Territory Your territory is your territory. We will never license another franchisee in your area.
10. Central Purchasing Power Our large volume purchasing opportunities mean low prices on necessary operating supplies.
INITIAL INVESTMENT
Sustained Support
The Pressed4Time Support Network remains a driving force in your business by providing on-going assistance and inspiration for the duration of your partnership with the company.
“Pressed4Time’s coaching program has been especially helpful to me because I am a natural procrastinator. Although no one at Pressed4Time can ‘make me’ do anything, their guidance to help me reach my goals is a great motivator. Sometimes just being a sounding board is all that I need. At other times, their help in developing detailed goals and action plans for myself have made this program invaluable.” — Bob Berta, Franchisee Atlanta, Georgia
Experienced Support
Coaching Program
We are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST to provide support from the most experienced staff in the industry.
Performance improvement is the primary goal of coaching. However, the ultimate goal of coaching is self-coaching, or the ability to observe and make progress with one’s own behavior. This ensures that performance excellence is consistent.
Monthly Business Newsletter Pressed4Time’s success depends on our continued exploration into what it takes to run a first-rate business. The P4T Press keeps you up-to-date with cutting-edge marketing & promotional strategies, the latest industry developments and original ideas from your fellow Pressed4Time franchisees.
Email and Web
Marketing E-newsletter
An annual gathering of company and franchisees, this conference highlights industry updates, panel discussions, guest speakers and workshops.
Weekly emails offer detailed plans for building your customer base and increasing revenue from current customers.
Customer Newsletter This monthly publication, Clean Clothes Delivered, contains useful dry cleaning facts, handy clothing care tips and attractive promotions.
Conference Calls The entire company convenes once a month to discuss relevant topics and to share thoughts and experiences.
You receive your own email address and an individual site on the Pressed4Time website making you accessible to customers and the company.
National Conferences
Intranet Software and Marketing Support Through our franchisees-only website, we provide our Route Management Software, camera-ready art, professionally designed flyers, coupons and ads. The website also connects you with other franchisees via our message board, e-mail and electronic discussion forums.
PICTURE YOURSELF... > Wake up, shower and put on your Pressed4Time shirt, have breakfast and head out. > Arrive at the cleaner, inspect your deliveries and load your van. > Begin your service with a smile at 9AM for the first office.
Pressed4Time has been recognized by Entrepreneur® Magazine as: > A Franchise 500® 1994-2009 > The only 100% dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service ranked in the 2009 Franchisee 500.
> Spend your day visiting offices and greeting smiling faces and friends until 5PM.
> One Of The Top 101 Home-based Franchises- 2003-2007
> Drop off your valet bags at the cleaner and head home. Think of how many times people thanked YOU and the many new customers you helped today!
> One Of The Top Low-cost Franchises2003-2007 and 2009
> Arrive home relaxed, greeting spouse, kids and pets. > Sometime in the evening, invest 30-45 minutes entering the day’s data into business management software and print out the manifest for your next day’s deliveries. Then forget about work! > Imagine this four days a week.
> One Of America’s Top Global Franchises- 2004
“I have a blast every day. I love my customers like family. They truly enjoy the services, customer service, and when needed, service recovery that I provide. Because of great customer service many customers claim they will be customers for life. I enjoy being out-and-about and meeting people that I would not have met if I were ‘cooped up’ in an office all day. Pressed4Time is the freedom of life— not only for the customer but for me as well...” — Felecia Faust, Franchisee Bowie, Maryland
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A franchisee
A QUICK LOOK
How to become a Pressed4Time franchisee.
01. Decide you’re ready for a change and request information.
Together we will move through the activities designed to help you reach the goal of operating your own business.
02. Receive Franchisee Information Kit. Review
Throughout the process, we encourage you to call us with questions, comments and reports.
return it to see if you qualify to go further.
Please remember there must be ten business days between steps five and eight.
and call Pressed4Time with any questions.
03. Complete the Request for Consideration and 04. Check our references. Talk with existing franchisees. Give us your feedback and impressions.
05. Receive the Pressed4Time Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Review it with your Pressed4Time representative.
Congratulations! You’re officially open for business.
06. Review the agreement with your attorney and/or other decision-makers.
07. Review demographics. Define your territory. 08. Approve papers. Send your deposit to hold territory and schedule classroom training.
09. Begin our unique “tele-training” program to set up your business. Acquire van and insurance and do a competitive analysis.
10. Attend training at our home office. 11. Complete final details. Set up your business with instructions from your training class.
12. Participate in marketing training in your territory with your Pressed4Time trainer. Establish your first accounts and set up marketing strategies.
“My first 7 months as a franchisee with Pressed4Time have been everything I expected, plus some. I have exceeded every target I set for myself and well exceeded the targets set as goals by Pressed4Time. Choosing the right dry cleaner and cobbler along with all the advice and guidance from the home office have been the two main reasons for my start-up success. Please extend my appreciation and thanks to the entire support staff at the home office. I have every expectation that my numbers will continue to go in the right direction, as I near the end of my first year. Thank you.” — Kelly Parker, Franchisee Albany, New York